Ventura Uber Accident Lawyers
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Our Ventura Uber Accident Lawyers Are Committed To Helping You Seek Fair Compensation For Your Injury
Accidents involving Uber and other similar services have become an unfortunate reality in recent years. If you’re suffering from injuries because of a rideshare accident, Arash Law can explain your rights and options. Our Ventura County Uber accident attorneys can guide you through the insurance claim process for rideshare collisions, which can be more complicated than typical accidents involving personal vehicles. To discuss your legal options, reach out to us by filling out our “Do I Have A Case?” form online, here, or call us at (888)-488-1391.
Ridesharing services like Uber have become an integral part of our daily lives. With just a few taps on our smartphones, we can hail a ride and reach our destination in no time. Uber, in particular, has gained popularity by assuring its users that it hires professional drivers who prioritize safety. However, it is important to acknowledge that despite Uber’s claims, there are potential risks associated with using their services that could lead to unfortunate accidents.
In cases where needed, we can advocate on your behalf in legal proceedings and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Asserting your rights to seek compensation can be necessary, given the potentially substantial costs associated with a rideshare-related car crash.
At Arash Law, we focus on representing injury accident victims. Collaborating with experienced Ventura County Uber accident lawyers helps you pursue compensation for injuries resulting from your rideshare accident.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs for our clients. However, certain case-related costs, such as filing fees, may still be charged regardless of the outcome of your case. Our attorneys will discuss our fee structure and other potential costs during your free initial consultation.
Settlement in a brake failure case involving a commercial defendant – case dropped by prominent local law firm; client suffered foot injury– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Hire Experienced Ventura Uber Accident Lawyers For Your Accident?
Understanding the ins and outs of rideshare-related insurance can be challenging. That’s why it may be wise to hire Ventura Uber accident attorneys who can guide you through the rideshare laws of California. Our Uber accident lawyers have the skills to develop legal strategies tailored to your specific circumstances.
Have you sustained injuries as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle in Ventura County? If so, you may have questions regarding insurance and liability. Our team of Ventura Uber accident lawyers can assist you with your injury claim. We can help you gather the available evidence, process your claims, and handle correspondence and negotiations with insurance companies. If necessary, we offer skilled legal representation in court. We aim to handle the legal complexities on your behalf, allowing you to concentrate on recovering from your injuries.
Uber Accident Statistics In Ventura County
Uber’s impact on modern transportation has sparked debates on road safety, with new legislation and regulations aimed at addressing concerns. Despite varying numbers and fluctuations based on time and location, one undeniable fact remains: accidents occur, even during ridesharing trips.
According to Uber’s safety report from 2019-2020, 101 people lost their lives in 91 fatal incidents involving Uber vehicles. Notably, 32% of these crashes involved at least one speeding vehicle, while alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 23% of incidents. The victims in these accidents comprised pedestrians (64%), vulnerable road users (42%), third-party motorcyclists (29%), and bicyclists or scooter riders (7%).
On average, Uber reports approximately 100 fatalities annually due to accidents. The data released by Uber in 2017 and 2018 revealed 107 fatalities caused by 97 Uber vehicles. Subsequent safety assessments for 2019 and 2020 confirmed a consistent trend, with 101 deaths occurring in 91 fatal incidents. Uber attributed these incidents predominantly to speeding (32%) and driving under the influence of alcohol (23%). The most affected victims were pedestrians (64%), followed by vulnerable road users (42%), motorcyclists (29%), and cyclists (7%).
What’s The Difference Between A Rideshare And A Taxi?
The primary distinction between Uber vehicles and taxi services lies in the method of securing a ride. Taxis can be hailed effortlessly by standing on a sidewalk or queuing at an airport. Payments for taxi rides are generally settled in cash or via credit card upon reaching your destination. Conversely, Uber and other rideshares require users to utilize a dedicated app to summon a driver, and payment is seamlessly processed through the app, where credit card details are securely stored.
Another notable difference concerns the employment structure for drivers. Taxis are typically owned, inspected, and maintained by a taxi company, then leased to individual drivers. Regulatory oversight by cities or counties is common for taxis, and drivers often need a specific type of driver’s license. On the other hand, Uber drivers operate as independent contractors, utilizing their vehicles and setting their own fees. It’s important to note that unless a rideshare driver holds a commercial insurance policy, their policy may not cover accidents. This is because standard insurance policies generally only apply during personal vehicle use, not during rideshare activities. Consequently, the driver’s insurance provider may reject the claim if an accident occurs during a rideshare trip.
Recommended Steps To Take Following Your Ventura Rideshare Accident
Initiate a Traffic Collision Report by Contacting the Police — The primary action following an accident should involve reaching out to the police. Once the Ventura County Police Department is on the scene, an official police report detailing the incident and the involved parties, including any witnesses, will be created. This report serves as a critical document for our Ventura Uber accident attorneys to pursue claims against all relevant parties, extending beyond just one involved person.
More about what should be in this official accident report.
- Receive Medical Attention — In cases of serious injuries, promptly seek medical attention. Even if you perceive your injuries as minor, there might be underlying issues or delayed-onset injuries. Seeking emergency room care after an accident is advisable. Keep thorough records of your doctor appointments and medical bills; these documents can be essential for seeking compensation for your injuries.
- Record Your Uber Trip Details — Document your trip by capturing a screenshot of your trip confirmation or saving the information through other means. Take photos or videos of the car crash, as visual evidence can be instrumental in determining fault in the Uber accident.
- Consult Skilled Ventura County Uber Accident Lawyers — Uber accident insurance claims can be tricky to navigate. The legal team at Arash Law possesses the skills and knowledge to guide you through these claims, aiming to assist you in seeking financial compensation.
Insurance, Laws, And Liability For Uber Accidents In Ventura County
California has established specific regulations governing insurance and liability in the context of rideshare accidents. While rideshare drivers are obligated to maintain their auto insurance, additional coverage is provided through the rideshare company during specific operational periods.
The three designated rideshare periods where the company’s insurance coverage may be applicable are as follows:
- Period 1 — Starts when the rideshare driver turns on the Uber app, signaling that they are available for a trip. In this period, the liability insurance coverage for Uber drivers amounts to $50,000 per person, $100,000 for bodily injury accidents, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Period 2 — Triggered when the app is active, indicating that the driver has officially accepted a ride and is en route to pick up a rider. Uber’s insurance offers the following:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Period 3 — This phase occurs when the driver has picked up a rider and is in the process of completing the trip. Similar to Period 2, a $1,000,000 policy for third-party liability coverage is applicable. In cases where the Uber driver is not at fault for the rideshare accident, the potential compensation for the accident victim may be reduced by the amount of insurance available from the at-fault driver.
In the event of an accident involving rideshares, more than one party may be involved, leading to the potential for multiple insurance claims. These insurance companies may contest the rideshare driver’s percentage of fault. If you need help navigating your case, consider consulting Arash Law. Our Ventura Uber accident attorneys can handle accident claims and help you pursue just compensation for your injuries.
What Damages May You Pursue After A Ventura County Uber Accident?
The damages you may pursue in a rideshare personal injury claim can mirror those available in a typical vehicle scenario. These damages may include:
- Medical Expenses and Bills — This includes costs related to medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other expenses directly associated with the injury.
- Lost Income — Refers to the wages or salary that the injured party is unable to earn due to the accident-related injury. This may cover the period during which the individual is recovering and unable to work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity — In cases where the injury results in a long-term or permanent impairment that affects the victim’s ability to earn income, compensation may be sought for the diminished earning capacity.
- Physical Pain and Suffering — This encompasses the physical discomfort, pain, and distress experienced by the injured party as a result of the accident and subsequent injuries.
- Emotional Distress — Relates to the psychological and emotional effects of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of Consortium — Refers to the injuries’ negative impact on the injured party’s relationship with their spouse or family, including loss of companionship, intimacy, and support.
- Funeral Expenses — In cases of wrongful death, this covers the costs associated with the funeral and burial of the deceased.
- Property Damage — Pertains to the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property, such as the vehicle involved in the accident.
- Punitive Damages — In rare cases, exemplary damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for gross negligence and to serve as a deterrent to prevent similar misconduct in the future. Punitive damages must be justified by extreme recklessness, malice, oppression, or fraud on the defendant’s part.
Common Uber-Related Injuries Sustained By Victims In Ventura
While the common perception associates Uber accidents with car crashes, it is important to recognize that incidents involving Uber vehicles and drivers extend beyond typical car accidents.
Uber and other rideshare drivers and their vehicles may encounter situations involving property damage or assault. Such incidents can arise from unruly, intoxicated, or violent passengers, particularly during circumstances where a driver terminates a ride due to passenger misbehavior or safety concerns. Disturbingly, a significant portion of driver-reported sexual assault cases indicate that the driver is the victim, as highlighted in Uber’s safety report.
It’s important to acknowledge that drivers, too, have the potential to cause harm to passengers, encompassing acts such as assault, robbery, kidnapping, and sexual assault. This perspective highlights the diverse range of incidents involving Uber beyond the more commonly associated vehicle collisions.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What Will My Ventura County Uber Accident Lawyers Ask During The Initial Consultation?
To gain a thorough grasp of the incident, your injuries, and their impact on your life, Arash Law attorneys will ask questions during your initial consultation for a personal injury case. Take a moment to formulate your responses to the following inquiries:
Was The Rideshare Driver Transporting A Passenger?
If the rideshare driver was actively transporting a passenger, and their negligence contributed to the accident, the company’s commercial insurance policy might cover the associated benefits.
Do You Bear Any Responsibility For The Accident?
In cases where your actions played a role in the accident, the defense may contend against full compensation for damages. Our Uber accident attorneys in Ventura can employ strategies that may help clarify the assigned percentage of fault.
What Factors Do You Believe Caused The Accident?
While driver negligence is a common factor in rideshare accidents, other elements like malfunctioning auto parts or road conditions may also contribute. Identifying all potential factors may help support the case, especially when multiple parties share liability, making it possible to pursue damages from multiple insurance sources.
Did You Collect Statements And Contact Information From Witnesses?
In situations where liability is disputed, the deposition of eyewitnesses is necessary. Even if not formally deposed, witnesses may be interviewed by your Ventura County Uber accident lawyers to request testimonies that may help in an investigation.
Have You Sought Prompt Medical Attention?
Timely medical care is critical, as the insurance company may view delays as grounds to challenge the severity of injuries or argue a lack of effort to mitigate damages.
Are Your Injuries Preventing You From Working?
Your ability to seek compensation for lost income depends on demonstrating that injuries hinder your return to work.
Have You Initiated A Personal Injury Journal?
Start a personal injury journal under your Ventura County Uber accident attorneys’ guidance, documenting symptoms, their intensity, frequency, and the overall impact on your daily life.
Has The Insurance Company Reached Out To You?
Share the information with your Ventura County Uber accident lawyers if the insurance company or the defendant’s representatives contact you. Moving forward, direct any further communication from the insurance company to your legal representation.
Have You Discussed The Accident On Social Media?
Share relevant social media posts or photos with your Ventura County Uber accident attorneys, as these could potentially influence your case. Until the case is resolved, consider limiting social media activity related to the accident, injuries, or ongoing legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Compensation Can I Expect In My Rideshare Injury Case?
The size of settlements in rideshare injury cases varies significantly due to the unique nature of each case. It’s challenging to predict the specific amount one person may pursue compared to another. However, consulting experienced Uber accident lawyers may be helpful in pursuing just compensation for your losses.
In The Event Of An Uber Accident, What Steps Can Strengthen My Case?
Seeking immediate medical attention, even if injuries aren’t apparent at first glance, is essential. Adrenaline after an accident may mask pain, and not all symptoms manifest right away. Reporting the accident to the rideshare company and gathering information from your driver and other involved parties can also help support your case.
If The Uber I'm Riding In Gets Hit, Who May Be Liable?
Generally, the at-fault driver’s insurance may be potentially responsible for covering injuries that passengers sustained. This principle applies even in cases where an Uber is involved.
What's The Time Limit For Filing An Uber Accident Claim?
The period within which you can file a personal injury claim is referred to as the statute of limitations. In California, this timeframe is generally set at two years from the date of your rideshare accident. However, there may be certain circumstances that may impact this deadline.
For example, if your Uber accident involves a federal, state, or municipal vehicle (regardless of whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driver), the window to file a personal injury claim against them is reduced to six months from the accident date. The statute of limitations for accidents involving government vehicles is notably brief, lasting only six months.
If your situation aligns with this scenario, consider consulting the Uber accident attorneys at Arash Law. The six-month timeframe can be short, and once it elapses, you may hinder your ability to seek compensation, regardless of the severity of your accident and injuries.
Is There A Compensation Cap For Rideshare Accident Victims?
In contrast to other states, California imposes no restrictions on the potential compensation a victim can seek in a personal injury case. In such cases, a jury has the discretion to award the victim an amount they consider reasonable, taking into account the evidence presented and the estimated losses suffered by the victim.
It’s essential to be aware that California operates under a comparative fault system. If a jury finds that you bear partial responsibility for your rideshare accident, they will deduct the percentage of blame they attribute to you from the potential compensation award. However, it’s significant to note that being partially at fault does not preclude you from pursuing a personal injury claim.
Can I File A Claim If I'm Partially Responsible?
A personal injury victim may have a right to file a claim, even if they bear partial responsibility for the accident.
California operates under a comparative liability system, often referred to as comparative negligence. For victims of rideshare car accidents, this system signifies that they may still seek damages even if they were partially at fault for causing the accident. However, the damages they can seek will be proportionately reduced, taking into account the degree to which they were responsible for the occurrence of the accident. Understanding this legal framework is essential for rideshare accident victims seeking recourse in Ventura County. Thus, engaging the services of skilled Uber accident truck lawyers from Arash Law may be advisable.
Seek Experienced Legal Support From Our Ventura County Uber Accident Lawyers
While Uber services were initially hailed as a safer alternative to traditional taxis, the reality has been more complex. Reports of accidents involving rideshare vehicles have surfaced, leaving passengers and bystanders injured or, worse, killed.
Our attorneys in Ventura County, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have years of experience helping clients with Uber and other rideshare claims. We are skilled at dealing with insurance issues and providing personalized legal assistance to clients seeking fair compensation for their losses. Our attorneys can review the settlement offers you receive and assess whether they may adequately address the extent of your losses. Schedule a consultation with Arash Law to explore your options.
Explore our legal practice across various locations in California and neighboring cities within Ventura County, including Camarillo, Santa Paula, Oxnard, Moorpark, Fillmore, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Calabasas, Carpinteria, Santa Clarita, and San Fernando. No matter where you are in Ventura County, our Uber accident lawyers can provide legal support for your claim.
Whether you were the driver, a passenger, or a third party involved in an Uber accident, we are here to assist you. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation. This allows us to address your queries in person and comprehensively explain the legal process.
